Tangerine Pleated Dress - M5801

I was delighted to finish something over the weekend. This dress and a few other projects were slowly becoming UFO's.

What attracted me to this pattern was the shirt/skirt style. I thought this would be a nice dress to wear to work. And the fact that it contained multiple pattern pieces for various cup sizes. A plus for me. No FBA. But after I finished it I thought it made me look a little chunky. Or maybe I'm getting a little chunky.

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESSES AND SASH: Below mid-knee dresses A, B have fitted bodice with princess seams, front band, collar and collar band, sleeveless or above elbow sleeves with turned back cuffs, flared skirt with pleats and right side seam pocket, front snap and left side zipper closures; dress A bodice has topstitching details and self-fabric sash; dress B has purchased belt.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 22. I made a 14. The sizing is a little on the large size. I think I could have taken in a little more for a closer fit.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Prett y much. I made a slight change to the sleeves.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. Nothing difficult. I thought it was funny only one pocket (right skirt).

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the skirt and the multiple pattern pieces for the various cup sizes. I also thought the sleeves and collar treatment were vintage in detail.
After I completed it, I changed my mind about the sleeves. The replacement of the gathers seemed too high above the ball of the shoulder.

Fabric Used: I purchased a bright orange poplin from Vogue's early summer with this dress in mind.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I only made a few minor changes. The first was due to lack of fabric. So I change the design of the sleeve. You can read about it here.


Finished sleeve.


I sewed a lapped zipper instead of a centered one. I prefer the lap finish on the side seam.



The top snap was sewn off center. I thought it made the opening look better. I followed the recommendation to slip stitch the front band facing and the collar band. No sash. I'll wear a brown leather belt as picture in the review photo.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Probably not. Hmmm..., Maybe the sleeveless version. Yes and no, it depends on the taste of the sewer. It is a easy pattern to sew. Surplice bodice seem to look better on me.
Conclusion: This was a fairly easy pattern to sew. It's great that McCall included the multiple pattern pieces for the bodice.

Tomorrow, I post the jean jacket review.
Happy Sewing!
C